Chapter 15: Difficulties of Being Vulnerable

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Media: Mao Zhen
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Old Shang was average in height and he seemed to be a reckless lad in his youth.

In his ninety-something years of living, instead of wisdom, his eyes sparkled with the dull mischief from the past.

Especially now that he was spiraling down the feebleness of being senile.

"Let's see... this servant came here to do something. Ah?" The elderly looked surprised at the piece of paper in his hand.

"What's this?" He scratched his head in confusion.

Hong Chun's eyes were attracted to the familiar penmanship.

"Could it be a letter from Father?" She gave hints even though she knew.

"Oh, yes! Yes, this humble servant told Fong-shi I will give this to our dearest miss."

She didn't understand Old Shang's blind devotion but she'd gotten used to it from childhood. By now, she was numb to all sorts of fancy honorifics.

"I'll read this, then. You can go rest for the day."

It wasn't visible that his health was deteriorating by the day. He could still function as he did before but slower in his motions.

He would probably do some basic chores if Hong Chun permitted it. But she knew it wasn't good to push. She was sure there would be multiple diagnoses if he was checked up in a normal hospital.

Even so, she couldn't dwell on it.

For what could she do? She wasn't someone who could cover the sky with her bare hands just to show favor to who was considered her people.

Hong Shu Cao sent a doctor to him on a regular basis. But Old Shang would refuse to be checked even if his life depended on it.

In the end, they could only give him general medications to aid his joint pains. With a bit of a heavy heart, she settled in her quarters and read the letter.

The scent of the fiber wafted to her nose. It was something she was very fond of. Paper in the modern world didn't have this distinct smell.

The series of characters greeted her eyes in a refreshing way.

It was obvious that a couple took turns in writing. The character strokes of the first section were straightforward while the latter part had mellow curves to them.

In general, it was an update on the Hong husband and wife. The temple construction would be over in no more than two weeks and the rites would soon take place.

Less than three weeks from now, they would probably be home.

Hong Shu Cao described in detail the processes of how the opening rite would be as he knew Hong Chun and Xiao Ting would be interested. Hong Ting was especially enamored with architecture so Father Hong also had someone draw the temple.

Hong Chun could imagine that brother of hers tracing every line of the sketch and reproducing it on his own.

On the other hand, Yi Bing went on about the things she bought for her children and how she met her relatives in Mei Le. She was also quite sad that the two couldn't come with them. They also visited Father Hong's family there. Mother Hong promised them that next time, they would bring A'Chun and Xiao Ting.

After reading, she scrolled the papers again and saved them for when Hong Ting would be home. Hong Chun's hand paused as she noticed what she was doing.

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